French Consulate in Jeddah hosts event to mark end of Red Sea International Film Festival

The French Consulate recently hosted the closing ceremony of the fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Market, organizing an event to celebrate the successful conclusion of the market. (Supplied)

During the ceremony, Mohamed Nehad, the French Consul General in Jeddah, delivered a speech highlighting France’s commitment to advancing Saudi cinema. (Supplied)

• Gathering brings together key figures from Saudi Arabia, France
• The consul general of France in Jeddah, delivered a speech highlighting France’s commitment to advancing Saudi cinema

JEDDAH: The French Consulate in Jeddah organized an event to mark the successful conclusion of the fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival.
The gathering brought together figures from Saudi Arabia and France — representatives from film education institutions, members of the French delegation, and Saudi partners — underscoring the cultural and professional ties between the two nations in the film sector.
Mohammed Nehad, the consul general of France in Jeddah, delivered a speech highlighting France’s commitment to advancing Saudi cinema, emphasizing support in areas such as film training and education and helping to introduce the 48-Hour Film Challenge, which encourages Saudi filmmakers, writers, and cinema students to create a short film within just 48 hours.
He told Arab News: “The Red Sea Film Festival is an essential platform for bringing together French and Saudi filmmakers. It helps create strong cultural connections by offering opportunities for exchange, dialogue, and collaboration.
“This festival promotes the sharing of technical and artistic expertise. For us at the French Consulate, it represents a unique opportunity to support talent and strengthen the ties between the two nations through cinema, a universal art that transcends borders and unites cultures.”
The French Consulate’s support extends beyond the festival, with initiatives designed to foster cultural and artistic ties between Saudi Arabia and France. These initiatives include a strong presence at the Red Sea Souk, a dedicated marketplace for professionals, where the consulate organizes the souk’s closing evening to showcase collaborations between French and Saudi filmmakers.
Support for the 48-Hour Film Challenge also offers young teams the chance to win a three-week residency in France, further honing their creative projects.
Additionally, the consulate facilitates cinematic training programs in collaboration with educational institutions, transferring French expertise to Saudi talent.
Several companies from the French delegation, such as ICC Immersion, actively contributed to the Red Sea Souk, showcasing the consulate’s commitment to supporting the regional film industry and cultural exchange.
Nehad said: “We actively support emerging French talent, particularly those exploring new ideas and narrative forms.
“The Red Sea Film Festival is an ideal opportunity to showcase their work. The consulate facilitates their participation and encourages collaboration with Saudi filmmakers, fostering enriching exchanges for the international film industry.”